What’s the secret to a school fundraiser that keeps students engaged and excited, from kickoff all the way to the finish line? 

A clear, measurable challenge to beat. 

For lots of schools using FundHub, that challenge is the 50 State Challenge.  

In this blog, we’re explaining exactly how your PTO/A board can use this idea to inject enthusiasm (and a little friendly competition!) into your next school fundraiser, while simultaneously keeping students involved at every step. 

What Is the 50 State Challenge? 

The 50 State Challenge is exactly what it sounds like: students collect at least one donation from every U.S. state before your school fundraiser wraps up! 

The challenge transforms school fundraising into a shared adventure that reaches grandparents in Florida, cousins in Oregon, and family friends scattered across the country. 

You might be wondering, “How could my school keep track of so many nationwide donations?!” Great news! When your school hosts your fundraiser on FundHub, tracking progress is just a click away. The online donation platform features a real-time donation map that lights up each time a new state sends a donation, so students can watch their school’s success spread across the country in real time. 

Why It Works: Fundraising with a Shared Mission

The 50 State Challenge works because it gives students, staff, and family members a fun way to measure fundraising success in something other than dollars. Instead of focusing only on the amount donated, schools create a visual story of progress that everyone can understand and participate in! 

Riverview Elementary proved how powerful visual reminders can be when they raised $23,995 using the 50 State Challenge, and kept an incredible 96% profit! How did they promote this challenge? With a DIY hallway map that allowed all students to keep track of which states contributed, and which ones were still up for grabs.  

The best part? You don’t need to create your donation map from scratch. With FundHub’s predesigned templates and real-time tools, it’s easier than ever to track progress and provide donation updates, moment by moment. 

The 50 State Challenge is also a great motivator for student families. Parents love sharing the challenge with relatives across the country, which helps spread awareness and support way beyond the school’s local community. Students get to track the states they’ve helped unlock, teachers cheer them on, and the whole school gets to celebrate when a new ‘state’ donates! 

50 State Challenge Success Stories: Real Schools, Real Results 

Schools of all sizes have used the 50 State Challenge to reach record-breaking fundraising totals. 

Alta Vista Elementary set a goal of $50,000 and ended up raising $56,795, keeping 100% of in-school donations and 95% of online donations through FundHub. Their PTA credited the challenge for helping them raise $20,000 more than the previous year! 

Rosemeade Elementary opted for a Cash Drive-style fundraiser, which worked wonderfully with the 50 State challenge layout. Excited students rallied together to strategically pull in donations from all 50 states, blowing past their fundraising goal of $18,000 and raising $19,545!  

Find more examples below, including strategies for promoting the challenge that you can bring to your next fundraiser!

Make It Manageable: Breaking the Map into Regions 

If 50 states feels like a big number, take a note from Holy Redeemer School. They divided the U.S. map into regions (West, Midwest, South, and East) and had a mini celebration each time the school ‘filled in’ a region. 

By helping students focus on a smaller area of the map first, it made the challenge feel achievable while still keeping everyone motivated to complete the whole 50 state map.  

It’s a simple but smart way to make the challenge more digestible for students while aiming for the full 50-state finish line! 

50 State Challenge Fundraising Incentives That Keep Students Engaged 

The best part of the 50 State Challenge is how easy it is to build creative, school-wide incentives around it. Schools that complete the challenge have found some unforgettable ways to celebrate. 

At Homestead Elementary, the principal became a human sundae once the final state came in–and even followed up by shaving his head!  

Gulf Breeze Elementary took a slightly different route and had their principal kiss a pig, which quickly became an unforgettable story among students and staff.  

And at Chandler Oaks Elementary, students earned the right to turn their principal into a human taco when the 50 States map was complete. Their celebration video even became one of the year’s most-viewed social posts! 

Each school’s version of an incentive looked a little different, but they all shared the same energy and excitement. When every new state lights up, the anticipation builds…but you don’t have to wait for the final donation to roll out rewards (literally)! At Scarbourough Academy, students were surprised with a rolling cart of delicious snacks and treats every time a student successfully captured a donation from a new state. This sweet idea kept classrooms energized and eager to pull in more funds for weeks on end. 

How to Set Up Your 50 State Challenge on FundHub 

Setting up your challenge on FundHub takes just a few steps: 

1. Launch your fundraiser. Once your fundraiser is live, FundHub automatically tracks which states your donations are coming from. 
2. Announce the challenge. Use FundHub’s predesigned flyers, posters, and social media graphics to share your goal. Every design can be customized with your school name and event details. 
3. Keep your map visible. The real-time donation map updates instantly, showing which states have joined and which are still waiting. You can also print a large version for your hallway so students can color in each state as it’s unlocked! 
4. Celebrate progress. Each time a new state receives a donation, make a school announcement or post an update online. Recognition keeps the excitement going and motivates families to continue sharing. 

The $1,000 Grant Opportunity 

In case you needed one more reason to join the challenge: for every ten schools that complete the 50 State Challenge on FundHub each year, one is randomly selected to win a $1,000 grant. It’s a fun way to reward schools that go the distance. The pride of completing the challenge is already huge, but the chance to earn an extra $1,000 makes it even more rewarding. Marshall Elementary, Tonawanda Elementary, John Wetten, and Julington Creek have all earned recognition as 50 State Challenge Winners in recent years. Could your school be next?! 

Ready to Raise Donations from All 50 States??

The 50 State Challenge turns a typical fundraiser into a nationwide adventure by connecting your school community, giving families a clear goal, and making every new donation feel like part of something bigger. 

If your PTO/A group is ready to take your next fundraiser to the next level, FundHub is the simplest way to get started. The built-in map, predesigned templates, and real-time tracking tools make it easy to organize and fun to follow. 

Your school could be next on the map…so get started, get sharing, and get ready to celebrate when all 50 states are filled in! 

The post The 50 State Challenge: A Nationwide Fundraising Adventure appeared first on Get Movin' Fundraising.

8 Creative School Fundraiser Rewards Students (and Staff!) Will Love

Fundraising doesn’t have to be serious business—sometimes the best way to drive donations and engagement is through laughter! 

Whether it’s launching your principal into a dunk tank, watching a teacher kiss a pig, or seeing the entire staff dressed up as characters from your favorite movie, funny incentives bring the FUN to school fundraising. These moments become core memories for students, viral-worthy posts for social media, and the talk of the carpool line for weeks. 

Plus, they work. Schools using laugh-out-loud rewards often see a major uptick in participation and donations, especially when kids know they’re getting a chance to see their favorite grownups do something silly in the name of a good cause.  

Ready to make your next school fundraiser unforgettable? Check out these hilarious (and highly successful!) fundraising rewards used by real schools we’ve partnered with, along with practical tips to pull them off at your own school! 

Alien Kickball? Beam Us Up: Arlington Elementary’s Fun Run Was Out of This World! 

Talk about a galaxy of fun: Arlington Elementary went all-out for their Color Fun Run after excited students raised over $92,000! 

Teachers and staff truly made the experience out-of-this-world, combining elements of a Fun Run with bubbles, staff dressed as aliens, a kickball game, and even a pizza picnic party! Kids loved the opportunity to laugh and play alongside their teachers while parents cheered everyone on. 

Tips for Coordinating Your Own Students vs. Staff Incentive: 

• Build hype early: The key to a great incentive event is making sure students and families know exactly what they’re working toward. Be specific about the reward! When everyone understands how to earn it, participation and excitement go through the roof. 

• Choose an awesome theme: Pick something unexpected and creative, like a staff vs. students kickball game featuring teachers in inflatable alien costumes! Wacky themes get students involved and give staff a chance to show off their silly side. 

• Communicate clearly: Before the big day, let families and students know how the incentive works, what they can expect during the event, and what they should wear.  

• Time it right: Arlington planned for their incentive event to take place during their Fun Run, so all students could enjoy the celebration together. Scheduling rewards in a way that’s convenient for school families keeps energy high and gives every student a chance to feel part of the fun. 

Dunk Tank Fun: Cullen Elementary’s Red, White, and Blue Walk-Athon

Who says school staff can’t take the plunge for a good cause? Cullen Elementary proved that a little water goes a long way in rallying students to raise big!  

During their Red, White, and Blue Walk-Athon, they turned fundraising into a splash-tacular event by letting the top-earning classes dunk their PTA President and school counselors. The result? Over $46,000 raised, with 95% profit kept from online donations and 100% from cash/check donations by using FundHub. Now that’s a win worth getting soaked for!

Pro Tips for Pulling Off a Dunk Tank Incentive:

• Partner with a local vendor early to reserve your dunk tank—especially in warm-weather seasons when they’re in high demand.
• Recruit volunteers (think principal, popular teachers, coaches, or even your mascot if you’re ok with the costume getting wet).
• Create milestone incentives: Let classes know exactly what donation goal unlocks the chance to dunk a staff member.
• Hype it up on social media and morning announcements with countdowns, teaser videos, and reminders of who’s on the dunk list!
• Make it part of your celebration event so everyone can cheer, laugh, and celebrate together.

This fundraiser prize idea doesn’t just make a splash—it makes memories, builds momentum, and fuels donations! 

Mario Kart Race Through the School: Eagle Point Read-Athon

Eagle Point Elementary took their Read-Athon to the next level — Mario Kart level.

To celebrate their fifth successful Read-Athon, the school pulled off a hilarious and highly motivating stunt. After reaching their $40,000 goal, the admin team suited up as Mario and Luigi and raced scooters through the halls. Students and staff loved every second.

They weren’t the only ones getting creative. When Gullet Elementary passed their $100,000 goal — raising over $104,000 — the principal kept his promise. He dressed as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and rollerbladed through the school.

These rewards brought incredible energy to the final stretch and gave students a shared memory they’ll be talking about for weeks.

Pro Tips for a School-Wide Race Incentive:

• Keep it simple and safe: Use scooters, trikes, or even inflatable costumes to keep the race manageable, either indoors or outdoors. 
• Choose a theme that fits your school’s vibe: Mario Kart, Star Wars, superheroes, etc. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun! 
• Build hype with teaser videos or flyers, revealing what the race will look like and who’s racing (bonus points for letting kids vote on costume options). 
• Design checkpoints or obstacles with fun visuals—think cones, stars, flags, or cardboard “power-ups”. 
• Film the race and share it with families and on social media. Better yet, use the footage to build hype for next year’s fundraiser! 

This laugh-out-loud fundraiser incentive showed students their efforts had a direct impact…and that even principals will get a little goofy! 

Pie the Principal (or Teacher!): Banks Primary & Hood-Case Elementary

At Banks Primary County School, top fundraisers were treated to an unforgettable Pie the Teacher Assembly! The highest earners from each grade got to deliver a sweet whipped cream pie—right to the face—in front of their cheering classmates.

The event was a crowd favorite. It celebrated student success and created a school-wide buzz that had everyone talking.
Staff joined in with big smiles and ponchos, while families followed along through photos and video.
It was the perfect way to recognize top fundraisers and remind everyone that every dollar counts.

At Hood-Case Elementary, the Color Run got an extra burst of excitement when students earned the chance to pie their principal. Goggles on, the principal took pies to the face in front of the whole school. Laughter, high-fives, and unforgettable memories followed. The challenge was tied to a fundraising milestone, motivating students to meet — and beat — their goals.

Pro Tips for a Pie-tastic Fundraising Reward:

• Keep it simple and safe: Use whipped cream in foil pie tins or compostable plates—no crusts needed!
• Protect your pie-ees: Ponchos and swim goggles go a long way for comfort (and cleanup).
• Tie pies to donation milestones: Reward top individual fundraisers, top-earning classes, or unlock a school-wide pie party once a goal is hit.
• Make it an assembly or livestream it so everyone can join in the fun, whether in person or online.
• Capture the moment: Share the photos and videos on your fundraiser page, school socials, or next year’s campaign kickoff—it builds excitement and gives your event a fun, recognizable identity.

Both Banks Primary and Hood-Case Elementary proved that a good laugh can be the perfect recipe for record-breaking results!

Silly String the Staff: Northlake Hills Elementary’s First FundHub Color Run

Northlake Hills Elementary hosted their first-ever Color Run with FundHub, and it was a wild success! They surpassed their original goal and were well on their way to doubling what they had raised through catalog sales in previous years.

Their fundraiser prize idea? Students covering their teachers in silly string whenever their class reached its donation goal—an easy, joyful incentive that kept energy high and donations rolling in. 

Tips for a Successful Silly String Fundraising Reward

• Buy in Bulk: Stock up on silly string early—look for multi-packs online or check with party supply stores.
• Pick the Right Spot: Designate a safe, outdoor area like the blacktop or grassy field. It makes cleanup easier.
• Set Clear Goals: Tie the reward to specific fundraising milestones—either per student, per class, or school-wide. Announce progress often to keep motivation high.
• Protect Your Staff: Have ponchos, goggles, or even shower caps ready for teachers and staff. Make it fun for them too!
• Capture the Moment: Invite parents to take photos or have someone record the action. These moments are gold for social media and next year’s promotion!
• Build Hype: Use announcements, countdowns, and posters to build excitement. Let students know who they’ll get to spray and when.
• Plan Cleanup: Have trash bags, paper towels, and access to water on hand.

Principals are the G.o.a.t

Who says fundraising can’t get a little wild? At Republic Middle School, students smashed their $20,000 goal, bringing in an amazing $27,000, and got to watch their principal kiss a pig (and even shave his head!) at a celebratory assembly!  

Over at Eisenhower Elementary [picture] and again at Spout Springs School of Enrichment, students got to witness the unforgettable sight of their principals smooching a goat! It’s proof that a little creativity and a LOT of laughter can turn fundraising into something students can’t wait to be part of again. 

Tips for Pulling Off a “Kiss the Animal” Fundraising Reward

• Get your principal on board early: The magic only works if they’re genuinely game for some messy fun, so confirm their comfort level and what type of animal they’re willing to smooch! 

• Partner with a trusted local farm or petting zoo: Reach out to a nearby farm that’s experienced with school visits and ensure the animal is friendly, well-handled, and up to date on health checks. 

• Keep it safe (and sanitary): Designate a calm space for the big moment, have hand sanitizer ready, and remind everyone that the kiss is more of a “gentle smooch” than a Hollywood moment. 

• Build excitement along the way: Announce progress updates (“We’re $500 away from the big kiss!”) to keep students engaged and donations rolling in. 

• Make the reveal a celebration: Plan a fun assembly or outdoor event where everyone can cheer, snap photos, and enjoy the payoff together. 

• Add a few backup ideas, just in case!: In the event your chosen animal can’t make it (weather, logistics, etc.), have a backup plan, like a “pie in the face” moment or a silly costume day for the principal. 

Principal Food Transformations: Riverview Elementary

At Riverview Elementary, fundraising rewards gets deliciously ridiculous. Their annual tradition? Turning their principal into a human taco, a sundae, or even a Caesar salad—all in front of the entire school!

This hilarious event has become a community favorite, drawing families, staff, and local supporters each year. Not only does it bring massive laughs, but it also fuels impressive fundraising results and school spirit like nothing else.

More Funny Food-Inspired Incentive Ideas:

• Human Sundae – Students add chocolate syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry hat!
• Walking Taco Principal: Have your principal sit in a kiddie pool while students take turns covering them in cheese, salsa, and tortilla chips. 
• Caesar Salad Staff – Complete with a toga, croutons, and parmesan rain.
• Cotton Candy Hairdo – Stick cotton candy on a volunteer’s hairnet-covered head.

Principal Works from the Roof: Switzer PTO’s FunD Run

Switzer PTO turned heads—and raised the roof—by making their principal work from the school rooftop after crushing their FunD Run goal. With the help of FundHub, they raised an incredible $41,700, and the entire school got to see their principal take his laptop (and a whole lot of school spirit) to new heights.

Instead of a sleepover – which is another great idea! – this version of the challenge had the principal conducting business as usual—meetings, announcements, and even lunch—all from the rooftop. It created a buzz of excitement throughout the school and gave families a fun reason to keep donating.

How to Make Your “Principal on the Roof” Challenge Happen:

• Set the incentive: Pick a big but achievable goal (e.g., total donation goal reach) to unlock the rooftop reward. Announce it early to build momentum. 
• Track progress with FundHub: Use FundHub to track donations in real time and keep the school community engaged. 
• Promote the challenge: Generate buzz with teaser videos, email newsletters, daily announcements, and countdown posts on social media. 
• Pick a time that works for your team: Laketown opted for an after-school roof reading reward, but your team might decide to have your principal camp out during the day! Whether it’s during or after school hours, choose the time that works best for your staff’s schedule.  
• Document the fun: Live-stream the principal setting up shop or post short clips throughout the day—working, waving to kids, or reading rooftop shoutouts. 

Make Your Next Fundraiser Hilariously Successful

Big incentives don’t just raise more money. They build school spirit, spark joy, and create memories that last for years.

From silly string showdowns to rooftop adventures to principals dressed as tacos, these laugh-out-loud rewards turn fundraising into something students will never forget.

Looking for a way to take YOUR school fundraiser to the next level? Our online donation platform, FundHub, gives you built-in donation tracking, visual goal displays, and easy-to-share updates to keep students and families engaged, from kickoff to the final celebration. 

Ready to raise more (and have fun doing it)? Schedule your FREE FundHub demo at the link below! 

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